In an enlightening conversation with MysticMag, Kate Mura unveils the intriguing journey of blending tarot into team building and group facilitation, a concept that blossomed from a simple yet profound dialogue with a friend.
This innovative approach, which began with an experimental ‘Tarot Show’, has since transformed into a highly sought-after method for enhancing team dynamics, especially with the rise of remote work during the pandemic era. Through the lens of a typical group tarot session, Mura shares how this unique practice fosters a deep sense of unity and encourages open communication among team members. Tailoring sessions to meet the specific needs of diverse groups, she emphasizes the distinct insights tarot provides, surpassing traditional team-building activities in fostering a cohesive and introspective work environment.
With MysticMag as the platform for this insightful discussion, Mura also teases future expansions in Group Tarot’s offerings, highlighting the evolving landscape of team engagement through the mystical and reflective lens of tarot.
How did the idea of integrating tarot into team building and group facilitation come about?
The concept emerged quite organically through practical experience. I began my journey as a professional tarot reader back in 2000. Around 2018, well before the pandemic, a conversation with my close friend and exceptional palm reader, Stephanie Alvidrez, sparked an intriguing thought. We pondered the potential of conducting a tarot reading for a group collectively. The idea excited us, indicating we were on the right track.
To explore this concept further, we orchestrated what we dubbed “The Tarot Show” during my birthday that year, conducting three trial performances. The experiment was a resounding success, and I’ve continued this practice to date. This hands-on approach to group readings, initially with strangers and later with friends and private events, gradually revealed its potential as a novel team-building activity.
The transition to focusing solely on tarot became apparent when the pandemic halted my theater engagements. With my prior experience using Zoom for long-distance coworking sessions, I seamlessly adapted my tarot services to the online format. This pivot included developing a dedicated website to promote tarot as a unique team-building option. It was a timely solution, especially as companies sought alternatives to the routine Zoom happy hours during the extended lockdown periods.
The concept gained traction among HR professionals and team leaders looking for innovative engagement activities. It was incredibly validating when clients expressed surprise and delight upon discovering that group tarot readings were a viable option. The journey from a simple conversation to a widely appreciated team-building service has been both validating and delightful.
Can you describe the process of a typical group tarot session and how it fosters team development?
A typical group tarot session begins by gathering participants in a physical or virtual space, such as a Zoom room. We start with breathing and gratitude exercises to create a conducive environment. The process of pulling cards varies based on the group’s size and structure, but the essence remains consistent. The team collectively selects cards, which I then interpret with a collective focus, altering my language and approach to suit the group dynamic.
This group-oriented reading underscores the session’s intention—fostering a sense of unity rather than focusing on individuals. Following the initial interpretation, we transition to a segment I call “Questions and Clarifications.” This is a crucial part of the session where open dialogue is encouraged, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. It’s a skillful balance to maintain group cohesion while allowing for individual inquiries.
For example, a participant might seek further explanation about a specific card, such as the King of Swords. In response, I would elaborate on the card’s symbolism—leadership, clarity of thought, and the importance of discretion, tying it back to the group’s context. This interactive portion not only deepens the understanding of the tarot reading but also facilitates team building through shared insights and respectful discourse.
Interestingly, group sessions often serve as an introductory experience to tarot for many participants. The group setting provides a comfortable space for individuals who might be hesitant to explore tarot in a more intimate setting. This aspect of group tarot readings has been an unexpected yet delightful discovery.
The inclusive environment encourages participants to share their perspectives, even those with prior tarot knowledge who might not discuss it in a professional setting. This exchange of personal interpretations enriches the session, making it a safe space for exploration and connection among coworkers.
In summary, the typical group tarot session is not just about the reading itself but about building a supportive community where dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect flourish.
What has been one of the most surprising outcomes of a group tarot session?
One of the most heartening revelations from group tarot sessions has been their ability to create a welcoming environment for introverts and those curious about tarot but hesitant to explore it independently. The notion of diving into tarot can be daunting for many, particularly when it involves learning amidst strangers. However, when participants are surrounded by trusted friends, colleagues, or coworkers, the experience becomes much less intimidating. This sense of safety and familiarity encourages them to engage with tarot, demystifying it and making it more accessible.
This transformation, from apprehension to openness, has been one of the most gratifying aspects of conducting group sessions. It’s a beautiful gateway for those who might otherwise remain on the periphery of tarot exploration, offering a gentle invitation to the world of tarot without overwhelming them.
Interestingly, it’s worth noting that many tarot readers are introverts. This fact, which I learned at the Northwest Tarot Symposium, sheds light on why tarot, even in a group setting, can be so accommodating for introverts. The practice naturally embodies elements that cater to an introvert’s comfort, providing subtle engagement opportunities within a collective experience. This dynamic creates a unique space where even the most reserved individuals can find a sense of belonging and connection.
How do you tailor your tarot sessions to cater to different types of groups and organizational needs?
Tailoring each tarot session begins with an essential step: open communication with the event organizer. This can take various forms, from a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to email exchanges. While email is practical for managing different time zones, I find direct calls more effective. They allow for a richer exchange through the observation of body language and vocal nuances, enabling me to grasp the group’s underlying needs and expectations more accurately.
The purpose of these preliminary discussions is to understand the group’s dynamics and objectives. Are they looking for a unique activity to complement their strategic planning session? Is the team facing internal challenges and seeking ways to restore harmony? Or perhaps they’re simply looking for an engaging alternative to the conventional happy hour. Based on these insights, I can customize the session to align with their goals, ensuring the tarot reading resonates with the group’s intent.
A common concern is how to handle potentially unsettling cards in a reading meant to be lighthearted. To address this, I employ several strategies to reframe the interpretation of challenging cards, transforming them into opportunities for insight and growth. For instance, the Eight of Swords might initially appear daunting, depicting a figure ensnared by ropes and surrounded by swords. However, this card also prompts a reflection on mental constraints and the power of mindset shifts to overcome perceived limitations. It encourages using available resources and adapting one’s thoughts as steps toward liberation.
This approach of reframing extends to the collective dynamics of a group session. Should a reading unveil tensions within the team, subsequent cards are drawn to explore pathways toward unity and collaboration. This method not only addresses immediate concerns but also fosters a deeper understanding of collective challenges and solutions. In essence, the tarot session becomes a mirror reflecting both individual and collective states, guiding the group towards constructive change starting from a shift in perspective, as inspired by the mantra: “Change your thoughts, change your words; change your words, change your actions; change your actions, change the world. But it all begins with your thoughts.”
In what ways do you think tarot can offer unique insights compared to traditional team-building exercises?
Tarot offers a distinct approach to team-building by engaging different cognitive processes and fostering a shared experience that uniquely aligns group dynamics. One fundamental aspect is the initial breathing exercises, which, while not aimed at inducing a meditative state, can subtly alter participants’ brainwaves—beta, alpha, theta—depending on individual receptivity. This physiological synchronization, akin to phenomena observed in live theater audiences, fosters a collective rhythm in heart rates and breathing, enhancing group cohesion through our innate parasympathetic responses.
Beyond the physiological, tarot’s rich tapestry of art, symbols, and archetypes opens up expansive avenues for dialogue and personal reflection. The imagery on each card serves as a catalyst for discussions, allowing team members to share interpretations and insights that may not surface in conventional team-building activities. This aspect creates what I like to think of as the modern-day equivalent of water cooler conversations, where team members can dissect and debate the reading’s meanings in both group and individual contexts.
Interestingly, even within a group setting, tarot readings often resonate on a personal level with participants. I recall instances where individuals felt a reading, though intended for the group, spoke directly to them. This personal connection facilitates deeper engagement and prompts participants to share their unique perspectives, enhancing mutual understanding within the group.
Furthermore, tarot’s depth—rooted in centuries of history and symbolism across its 78 cards—adds layers of complexity and richness to the team-building experience. It invites participants to explore and interpret this legacy, fostering a creative and introspective dialogue that is both inclusive and expansive.
In essence, tarot transcends traditional team-building exercises by leveraging art, history, and shared human experiences, thereby cultivating a more nuanced and interconnected group dynamic.
Looking forward, are there any new developments or expansions planned for Group Tarot’s offerings?
Indeed, there are several exciting developments on the horizon for Group Tarot. While I continue to offer one-on-one sessions, Group Tarot has increasingly become my focal area of expertise. For instance, even in festival settings where individual readings are the norm due to logistical setups, I’ve been advocating for and demonstrating the effectiveness of group readings, or what I refer to as the “Tarot Show.” Having successfully introduced this at events like the first StaarCon convention and Convocation, I’m eager to expand its presence to a broader range of festivals beyond the tarot and metaphysical communities.
Another significant project in the works is a book dedicated to the nuances of conducting tarot readings for groups as opposed to individuals. This book aims to provide insight into the unique dynamics of group readings and will be a valuable resource for those interested in exploring this aspect of tarot. Updates on this and other projects can be accessed through my Patreon or the Group Tarot mailing list. Additionally, I have a QR code linking to my Linktree, which consolidates all my professional endeavors in tarot and theater, including where to find this interview upon its publication.
A particularly thrilling initiative for 2024 is the scheduling of live and virtual “Tarot Show” sessions on every fifth Sunday of the month, including dates like March 31st and June 30th, among others. These sessions offer a unique opportunity for individuals to experience group tarot readings with a diverse group of participants, providing a glimpse into the depth and richness that such readings can bring to personal and professional group settings.
Find out more at: https://linktr.ee/katemura
